Before I could process my thoughts, the door immediately banged open, and in came Russo, his menacing and dangerous aura filling the room. His hands were casually tucked into his pants pockets, and a smirk played at the corner of his lips. I wanted nothing more than to smack that smirk off his face."Well, well, well," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look what we have here. The little princess, all tied up and helpless."I fixed him with a seething stare, pouring all my loathing and disdain into my gaze. "Russo," I hissed, the name itself a curse on my lips, my tone laced with a poisonous intensity that made my words feel like a slap in the face.A low, throaty chuckle rumbled from his chest, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he gazed at me with unbridled amusement. The warmth in his gaze was unsettling, making my skin crawl as he seemed to revel in my anger. "Ah, Ivory," he drawled, his voice dripping with indulgent pleasure, as if savoring the taste of my name on his lips.
My heart sank, and my blood ran cold as Russo's voice sliced through the night air, its sinister tone making my skin crawl. Ava's hand tightened around mine, her grip almost painful as we both froze, our bodies paralyzed with fear. "You think you can escape?" He taunted, the words dripping with malice. "You think you can really escape from me?" I swallowed hard, my throat dry with fear. We had to move, had to get away, but my legs seemed rooted to the spot. Ava's hand was my only anchor to reality, and I held onto it for dear life. Russo's laughter cut through the air, a bitter, mirthless sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Go on run! Run damsels! I love the chase, anyway. I've been playing a game with you, Ivory. A game of cat and mouse. And now, it's time for the final act." I felt Ava's grip on my hand tighten, her eyes fixed on some point behind me. I tried to turn, but my legs seemed rooted to the spot. Finally, I forced myself to move, my heart heavy with fear. I turned,
I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. My head pounded with a fierce intensity, like a thousand drums beating in unison. My vision was blurry at first, but as I blinked, it began to clear. I was in a room I would always recognize - a luxurious bedroom with cream-colored walls and a massive four-poster bed. I tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back onto the pillows.That's when I saw him - Alexander, sitting beside the bed, his hand clutching mine. His eyes were red-rimmed, his face etched with worry and fatigue. He looked like he hadn't slept in days."Ivory?" he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Oh, thank God you're awake."I tried to speak, but my throat was parched and dry. Alexander quickly poured me a glass of water from the bedside table and helped me take a sip."What...what happened?" I croaked, my mind foggy and unclear.Alexander's expression turned grim. "You've been through a lot, Ava. Russo...he's dead. You
ALEXANDER'S POVI paced back and forth in my dimly lit study, my mind consumed by the events of the past few days. If only I had arrived sooner, maybe Ava would still be alive. Maybe Ivory wouldn't be lying on a bed, her heart broken and her spirit shattered.Three days ago, our mission to rescue Ivory and Ava from the clutches of Russo and his brother had gone catastrophically wrong. We were racing against time to reach the docks where they were being held hostage, but fate had other plans. Russo's men ambushed us, and we found ourselves entangled in a fierce battle that seemed to have no end. Wave after wave of his henchmen attacked us, each one more relentless than the last. We fought valiantly, but the sheer number of opponents slowed us down, and precious minutes ticked by.As the fight dragged on for over two hours, my anxiety grew. Every second counted, and I knew that Ivory and Ava were running out of time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious, bu
IVORY'S POVI stood frozen at the foot of the stairs, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as five pairs of eyes locked onto me, their gazes piercing and intense. Alexander's words hung in the air, a confession of secrets and lies that threatened to upend my entire world. My mind reeled, struggling to process the words he had just dropped, as if trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.My head spun, a dizzying sensation washing over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and disoriented. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me, leaving me gasping for air. My legs trembled beneath me, and I reached out for the stair railings, grasping for support as the room seemed to tilt around me.Alexander immediately took a step towards me, his eyes filled with concern, but I stopped him with a raised finger, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and fear. I shook my head at him, a silent warning to stay back, to give me space to process the chaos that was erupting in
Laughter echoed in my mind, a cold, mirthless sound. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, used by everyone around me. My legs trembled beneath me as I reached the top of the stairs, my hand grasping for the door handle to my room.I flung the door open and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart racing, my mind spinning. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.I slid down the door, my legs giving out beneath me. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I felt so alone, so lost. My hands wrapped around my stomach protectively, as if to protect the life growing inside me from the unknown danger surrounding me. A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Angel, please let me in," Alexander's voice whispered through the door.I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Go away," I whispered back.The knocking stopped, but I knew he wouldn't give up. He would keep trying to reach me, to expla
As I watched Alexander leave my room, I roughly brushed away the tears that were streaming down my face, my hands shaking with anger and hurt. Damn him for reducing me to this state, for making me feel so vulnerable and weak. Damn him for making me love him so deeply, so completely, only to shatter my heart into a million pieces. Damn my body for always reacting to every of his touch. And, damn my heart for still loving him after his lies and betrayal. I slowly walked to the door and slammed it shut, hardly. But, just as I was about to turn, another knock sounded on the door. Angrily I opened it, ready to bark at Alexander for not wanting to leave me alone. "What part of get out don't you under..." My words hung in my throat, when my eyes met with Theresa's. Her face was glistening with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy. A look of hurt, guilt and sadness was etched on her beautiful face. My heart almost almost melted at her pitiful sight and I wanted nothing more than to go int
FOUR MONTHS LATER...I stood at the edge of the small town, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I had been on the move for months, never staying in one place for too long. I had to keep running, had to keep hiding. I couldn't let them find me.I had been living off the grid, using cash and fake IDs to survive. I had cut my hair short and dyed it brown, trying to blend in with the crowd. I had lost weight, my eyes sunken from lack of sleep.But despite the hardships, I felt free. I felt alive.I thought back to the night I escaped, the rain pounding against my face as I ran. I had never felt so alive, so exhilarated.I had made my way to Ravenwood, a small, quaint town nestled in the heart of Oregon, where I had managed to find a work as a waitress at a local diner. I kept to myself, never making friends or connections. I couldn't afford to get close to anyone.But as the months passed, I started to feel a sense of belonging. I started to feel like I could finally start over.I walked into t
FIVE MONTHS LATER I clutched Alexander's hand, my nails digging deep into his skin as a contraction ripped through my body like a wave crashing on the shore. "It's time," I panted, my eyes locked onto his, my voice barely above a whisper. Alexander's face was etched with concern, but he smiled reassuringly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're almost there, my love. Just a few more minutes." He stroked my hair, his touch gentle and soothing. But I knew it was more than that. The pain was intensifying, like a fire burning brighter with each passing moment. I could feel the baby's head crowning, the pressure building. Suddenly, Theresa burst into the room, her face set with urgency. "It's time to go! We need to get her to the hospital, now!" she exclaimed, her voice firm but laced with worry. The next few minutes were a blur as Alexander scooped me up and rushed me to the car, Clark and Mr. Sebastian following close behind, their faces set with concern. Samantha and Mr. Marco b
As the black SUV came to a stop in front of Alexander's mansion, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Alexander got down and rounded the car to open the door for me, his eyes locked onto mine with a warm smile. I took his hand, and he helped me out of the car, his touch sending shivers down my spine.As I stepped out, I saw Theresa standing outside the patio with Mr. Sebastian, her tears-filled eyes fixed on me with a mixture of happiness and sadness. Samantha stood by the side with Mr. Marco, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alexander's grandfather, stood with them, his eyes piercing as he gazed at me with a small smile on his lips.Alexander's hand tightened around mine as he led me towards them. Theresa immediately rushed towards me and engulfed me in a tight hug. Sobs racking through her body. My own eyes immediately clouded with tears as I hugged her back, feeling a deep sense of connection and love. I could feel her heart racing with excitement, her breath coming in s
IVORY'S POV It's been two days since I saw Ezekiel at the diner. And surprisingly, I haven't seen anything unusual. I had thought that they would've stormed here already, and I've been holding on to that small hope that Ezekiel was considerate enough not to tell Alexander my location. I've been living in this small, shabby apartment for months now, trying to lay low and avoid detection. It's been a lonely existence, but a necessary one. I've missed Alexander, missed him more than I thought possible. I never stopped loving him, but I couldn't go back to him, not to his world. It was too dangerous, too suffocating. As I looked around my apartment, I felt a pang of sadness. It was small and empty, except for the bed, a table, and a few other sparse furnishings. Joe had given it to me, and I was grateful for his kindness. At least I had a roof over my head, a place to call my own. But it was a far cry from the life I had left behind. I missed the luxury, the comfort, the sense of secur
ALEXANDER'S POVI sat in my dimly lit study, gazing out the window, surrounded by the shadows of my own despair. It had been four months since Ivory left, and I was no closer to finding her. Every lead, every hint, every rumor had turned out to be a dead end. I was starting to lose my grip on reality, my mind consumed by thoughts of her, of where she might be, of whether she was safe.I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep. I couldn't focus on anything except finding her. My business was suffering, my relationships were suffering, my very sanity was suffering. And yet, I couldn't stop. I couldn't rest until I found her.Because I loved her. I loved her more than life itself. I loved her more than I ever thought possible. She was my everything, my reason for being. And without her, I was nothing.And then, the news had come. She was pregnant. My baby was growing inside her, and I wasn't there to see it, to feel it, to be a part of it. The thought was almost too much to bear.I remembered the d
FOUR MONTHS LATER...I stood at the edge of the small town, my eyes fixed on the horizon. I had been on the move for months, never staying in one place for too long. I had to keep running, had to keep hiding. I couldn't let them find me.I had been living off the grid, using cash and fake IDs to survive. I had cut my hair short and dyed it brown, trying to blend in with the crowd. I had lost weight, my eyes sunken from lack of sleep.But despite the hardships, I felt free. I felt alive.I thought back to the night I escaped, the rain pounding against my face as I ran. I had never felt so alive, so exhilarated.I had made my way to Ravenwood, a small, quaint town nestled in the heart of Oregon, where I had managed to find a work as a waitress at a local diner. I kept to myself, never making friends or connections. I couldn't afford to get close to anyone.But as the months passed, I started to feel a sense of belonging. I started to feel like I could finally start over.I walked into t
As I watched Alexander leave my room, I roughly brushed away the tears that were streaming down my face, my hands shaking with anger and hurt. Damn him for reducing me to this state, for making me feel so vulnerable and weak. Damn him for making me love him so deeply, so completely, only to shatter my heart into a million pieces. Damn my body for always reacting to every of his touch. And, damn my heart for still loving him after his lies and betrayal. I slowly walked to the door and slammed it shut, hardly. But, just as I was about to turn, another knock sounded on the door. Angrily I opened it, ready to bark at Alexander for not wanting to leave me alone. "What part of get out don't you under..." My words hung in my throat, when my eyes met with Theresa's. Her face was glistening with tears, her eyes swollen and puffy. A look of hurt, guilt and sadness was etched on her beautiful face. My heart almost almost melted at her pitiful sight and I wanted nothing more than to go int
Laughter echoed in my mind, a cold, mirthless sound. I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't understand, used by everyone around me. My legs trembled beneath me as I reached the top of the stairs, my hand grasping for the door handle to my room.I flung the door open and stumbled inside, slamming it shut behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart racing, my mind spinning. I felt like I was trapped in a nightmare, with no escape.I slid down the door, my legs giving out beneath me. I buried my face in my hands, tears streaming down my face. I felt so alone, so lost. My hands wrapped around my stomach protectively, as if to protect the life growing inside me from the unknown danger surrounding me. A soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Angel, please let me in," Alexander's voice whispered through the door.I shook my head, even though he couldn't see me. "Go away," I whispered back.The knocking stopped, but I knew he wouldn't give up. He would keep trying to reach me, to expla
IVORY'S POVI stood frozen at the foot of the stairs, my eyes fixed on the scene before me as five pairs of eyes locked onto me, their gazes piercing and intense. Alexander's words hung in the air, a confession of secrets and lies that threatened to upend my entire world. My mind reeled, struggling to process the words he had just dropped, as if trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces.My head spun, a dizzying sensation washing over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and disoriented. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the wind knocked out of me, leaving me gasping for air. My legs trembled beneath me, and I reached out for the stair railings, grasping for support as the room seemed to tilt around me.Alexander immediately took a step towards me, his eyes filled with concern, but I stopped him with a raised finger, my hand shaking with a mix of anger and fear. I shook my head at him, a silent warning to stay back, to give me space to process the chaos that was erupting in
ALEXANDER'S POVI paced back and forth in my dimly lit study, my mind consumed by the events of the past few days. If only I had arrived sooner, maybe Ava would still be alive. Maybe Ivory wouldn't be lying on a bed, her heart broken and her spirit shattered.Three days ago, our mission to rescue Ivory and Ava from the clutches of Russo and his brother had gone catastrophically wrong. We were racing against time to reach the docks where they were being held hostage, but fate had other plans. Russo's men ambushed us, and we found ourselves entangled in a fierce battle that seemed to have no end. Wave after wave of his henchmen attacked us, each one more relentless than the last. We fought valiantly, but the sheer number of opponents slowed us down, and precious minutes ticked by.As the fight dragged on for over two hours, my anxiety grew. Every second counted, and I knew that Ivory and Ava were running out of time. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we emerged victorious, bu